Pelosi Playing Politics on Colombia Deal

A Democratic Party majority in the U.S. House of Representatives could certainly vote down a proposed trade agreement between the United States and Colombia. However, the existence of that possibility is not sufficient for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose goal in changing House rules in order to avoid a vote seems to be either to avoid having Democrats go on record on the issue in an election year or to stick a finger in the eye of President Bush.

Either way, the maneuver is not merely unethical, nor is it merely an embarrassment to the President. Democrats, who frequently claim concern over respect for the United States abroad, are playing politics in a way that will compromise the ability of any future President to conduct good faith negotiations with other nations.

If Democrats have the votes to reject the treaty, that is their constitutional prerogative. However, the proposed treaty, negotiated in good faith with the Colombian government and with Democratic congressional input, should be voted on.